OGWASHI-UKU/Nigeria: The National Agricultural Seed Council of Nigeria, NASC, has introduced three hybrid maize seedlings to farmers in Delta State, with the capacity to yield five tons of produce per hectare of land.
The South-South Regional Director of the Seeds Council Mr. Mmoeyak Usua, stated this at Ogwashi-Uku, in Aniocha South local government area of the state, during a field work and supervision of the improved maize variety planted in the area on the 30th of July this year.
The Regional Director of the Seeds Council Mr. Mmoeyak Usua said the exercise was necessary to demonstrate the advantages of the improved maize variety to farmers in the area.
Mr. Usua noted the hybrid seedlings are disease resistant and could accommodate three planting season in one calendar year.
“The crops are heavy, to show you that they are promising verieties. So tell your farmers, tell your people, take it to the market place.”
Also, the State Quality Control Officer Mrs. Nwogu Victoria, stated the sensitization effort was geared to encourage farmers to promote the newly introduced varieties for a nutritious and improved yield.
Reacting to the development the Chairman Delta State Chapter of Maize Farmers Association Nigeria Mr. Ossai Chukwutemu, observed the state’ comparative advantage in maize production and expressed hope about the prospects of the hybrid seedlings to transform the sector.
(He said:)
“Even when you plant in your backyard it will grow. I want to urge you that it’s not only for stomach infrastructure, but also for change in your pockets.”
Also at the field inspection Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture Mr. Julius Egbedi represented by Mrs. Olomukoro Ajiri, highlighted the value of the improved seedlings and urge farmers in the state to embrace the initiative.
Other stakeholders at the inspection exercise include; representatives of Delta State Agriculture and Rural Development Agency, DARDA and members of the Association of Maize farmers of Nigeria.
